I am taking my parents on their first First in a few weeks NCL>LHR>JFK and back as a surprise for their 60ths (well, they know they are going, but are expecting either Y or W at most).

Booked using an Amex 2-4-1 voucher for myself and my Mother (no status), and arranged a revenue ticket on exactly the same flights for my Father (BAEC Blue). So we have 3 people across 2 separate bookings.

Being Gold, I have selected 1A for all the flights for myself and selected seats together for them both elsewhere in the cabins. Would I be able to arrange to get them both on row 1 too on the domestic sectors now if I called up the Gold line or would I have to wait and see what availability comes up once OLCI opens as my Father’s booking is separate and he is Blue?For now they are in 03A/C on both domestic legs, 05E/F on LHR-JFK and 01E/F on JFK-LHR (which is fine).

With regards to maintaining the element of surprise for them, how likely is it we can get all the way to LHR (or indeed the CCR entrance) without them realising they will be traveling F? Note we will be checking luggage in at NCL.

Finally – both being smokers, they may appreciate the chance for a quick cigarette when transiting T5, which will involve leaving the terminal then re-entering via the First wing. Any problems in doing this? Based on my recent transfer experiences I imagine doing this could be just as quick if not quicker than following the signs for flight connections anyway...